Patea Freezing Works Deconstruction and Remediation Project
Located in the small community of Patea in South Taranaki, the former Patea Freezing Works suffered significant damage from an arson attack in 2008. The facility, which had been abandoned for over a decade prior to the fire, was left heavily contaminated with asbestos and other hazardous materials, necessitating a meticulous approach to deconstruction, removal, and site remediation.
Project Overview:
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Background: The Patea Freezing Works, situated on Patea Harbour, had been a point of contention for the local community and Iwi. The arson attack exacerbated existing issues, creating widespread contamination that required urgent attention.
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Contractor Selection: Following a rigorous selection process, Nikau was chosen by the South Taranaki District Council. Our selection was based on our proven ability to handle both the complex deconstruction and the critical hazardous material removal, ensuring the site could be safely remediated and returned to pastureland.
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Scope of Work:
- Deconstruction and Remediation: The project involved strategic deconstruction of the damaged structures, careful removal of hazardous materials, and comprehensive site remediation. The scale and complexity of contamination meant that every aspect of the work adhered to exceptionally high health, safety, and environmental standards.
- Environmental Oversight: Work was conducted in close collaboration with the Client's nominated Environmental Consultant. A mobile laboratory was established on-site to facilitate timely sampling and testing, thus minimising delays in the project's progress.
- Material Management: Initially, environmental consultants advised that all contaminated materials be transported off-site for disposal. However, leveraging Nikau's internal expertise, much of the contaminated material, including soils, was successfully cleaned and remediated for reuse on-site.
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Project Outcome:
- Completion and Impact: The extensive deconstruction and remediation efforts were completed ahead of schedule within eight months. The project not only addressed the environmental concerns but also provided employment and training opportunities for the local community.
- Recognition: Nikau's exceptional work on this project earned us a nomination as a finalist in the Ministry for the Environment’s National Environmental Awards.
This project highlights Nikau's commitment to delivering complex deconstruction and remediation projects with the highest standards of safety and environmental stewardship.
To read the South Taranaki District Council post completion environmental report, please click here.
